CPSC, Payless ShoeSource Announce Recall of Children's Sneakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC), Payless ShoeSource Inc., Topeka Kan., is recalling about 80,000
children's sneakers sold at its shoe stores. The teddy bear or heart metal clasps on the
zippers of these shoes can come off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Payless knows of two children ingesting the teddy bear metal clasps, and one of
these children reportedly started to choke.

There are two types of sneakers involved in this recall. Both are COASTERS
brand, and both have white rubber soles, canvas uppers, and middle zippers. The
"Royal Zipper Low" is royal blue with a metal teddy bear clasp attached to the zipper.
The "White Zipper Low" is white and has a metal heart clasp attached to the zipper.
The sneakers were available in sizes toddlers 5 through 10. "COASTERS " is written
both inside and on the bottom of the shoes.

Payless ShoeSource stores nationwide sold these sneakers from March 1998
through June 1998 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately take these sneakers away from children and return
them to their local Payless ShoeSource store for a refund. Consumers also can mail the
shoes to Payless ShoeSource Sneaker Recall, 3231 E Sixth St., Topeka, KS, 66601
with their return address enclosed for a full refund and postage reimbursement. For
more information, consumers should call Payless ShoeSource at (800) 444-7463
between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday.